Priorities-BI/Maui/Lanai
 

Hi there, <BR> <BR>Time is ticking quickly to our honeymoon beginning Oct. 14th. We are staying at 4S on Big Island 10/14-10/17, 4S on Maui 10/17-10/21 and Manele Bay on Lanai 10/21-10/26. I have read and so much appreciate the opinions on this board but am hoping for some pinpointed help from those who have been to any of the above sites. <BR> <BR>On the Big Island, it seems the do not miss things are VNP, Waipio Valley, Hapuna Beach and Fairwinds Snorkel Cruise--am I missing anything and do we have time to get all these done? Should we bother with VNP and should we do it at night? What restaurants do you recommend here? <BR> <BR>On Maui, we will do the Road to Hana one day, but what else would you recommend not missing there? Same for restaurants. <BR> <BR>I'm thinking we will just really relax and snorkel at Manele Bay, but is there anything we should definitely try to do there as well? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

try a search <BR>

I we wouldn't stay at the 4S Maui. Do the Grand Wailea instead. too rainy at the other side. Look up Hike Maui for a great time out in Hana (they have a web site) Bike down the volcano. Trek through the lava caves.

Congrats! Sounds like a great honeymoon plan. Big Island will be busy. Volcano is great, but a long drive over from the Kohala Coast and night viewings of the lava can be iffy. I would definitely do the Waipio Valley, a wonderful eden-like place. I'd recommend the horseback trip. The trip down in a four wheel drive to the stable is an adventure in itself. Hiking the crater is neat, but a trip up to Haleakala on Maui is also wonderful and takes you through some charming towns (like Makawao) and beautiful upcountry Maui with horse and flower farms. Sunrise up there (with a thermos of coffee from the hotel) is spectular. Follow it up with some cream puffs from the Komoda bakery in Makawao or lunch at the Hailemaile Cafe outside of Paia. (Paia also very funky town that can be fun to visit- it's on the way to Hana.) Back to Big Island- huge amount of land to cover. I would focus on Waipio, a snorkle trip to Kealakekua Bay, and a beach day at Hapuna or Mauna Kea Beach- either is gorgeous. The 4S at Hualalai is beautiful. We did Maui and Big Island on our Honeymoon and we overdid the Big Island portion, hence my advice to cut something out. <BR> I'd advise the 4S at Wailea over the Grand Wailea. The GW is huge and a fun spot to visit (the Humuhumu Bar with it's huge fishtank is a must for the ultimate fancy drink in a coconut or a pineapple) but the 4S is more elegant and romantic and how often do you have a person spritz you with Evian water lest you overheat! You have to do it once. The road to Hana is lovely. Remember that the road really is the trip. Purchase a good guide book (The Ultimate Guide and the Moon publication "Hawaii" or "Maui" have good sections on the Hana Highway. Start early, bring picnic food, stop at lots of waterfalls, buy flowers at roadside stands, enjoy it. Treat yourselves to Mama's Fish House on the trip back. Don't make the whole trip about the "Seven Sacred Falls." (In fact, if you leave really early, find Blue Pool - in Maui Revealed- absolutely beautiful on a sunny morning, a place you will never forget.) I also would recommend the restaurant on the terrace at the 4S/Wailea - can't remember the name- it's the more casual restaurant and we have had wonderful relaxed meals there. <BR> Once you get to Lanai you can lay back and do nothing at all. Sounds like a great trip. Enjoy!

On Maui you have to go to Lahaina Town.

Aloha, <BR> <BR>I second all the recommendations in the above post from Mary. Excellent choice for the 4 Seasons. Take advantage of the on site Spa for some R & R. VNP was the highlight of our trip. If you're the outdoor type, don't miss this one. Take the chain of crater road to the end at night to see the incredible display of stars. Check out the VNP site as you get closer to get updates on volcanic activity. A great romantic restaurant at Volcano Village is the Kilauea Lodge (not like the 5 star resorts, but "old hawaii" rustic & artsy). On the BI, head to Waimea to dine at Merriman's for excellent regional gourmet dining. If a Luau is on your list, the Luau at the Outrigger Royal Waikoloan is tops. Congrats!

Thanks so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate it...now we are hoping that we are even able to go. We are from the NY Metro area and so many people we know have been directly affected by the WTC Attack. It seems wrong to be planning so much fun when so many around us are in pain. Thanks to you all again!